THE FLAGG COAL CO. 75, otherwise known as “Hank the Tank,” was transported early Thursday, June 23 to Bellevue, OH for its 15-year boiler survey. This is a federally mandated inspection. The engine was purchased in 1991 by John and Barney Gramling. They spent 10 years restoring it to operating condition.
The “Hank the Tank” book was written by John’s wife Pat and published in 2010. It was inspired by the Flagg Coal Co. 75. The engine has been at the Steam Railroading Institute on and off since 1992, where it ran for the first time after restoration, and has been used for demonstrations and for powering train rides and excursions.
Transportation was provided by D.C. Tunison Specialized Transportation, of Hadley, MI. They have transported many engines in the past, around 100. Shown in the photos helping to guide the engine onto the trailer is longtime SRI volunteer Bill Wilson.
The Steam Railroading Institute will be celebrating the Pere Marquette Steam Engine’s 75th Birthday this year. (Independent Photo/Melissa Shepard)
